Queen Anne of Romania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Anne of Bourbon-Parma |
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| Queen of Romania | |||||
Anne at the Romanian French Community gala in Paris, 1991
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| Born | 18 September 1923 Paris, France |
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| Died | 1 August 2016 (aged 92) Morges, Switzerland |
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| Burial | Curtea de Argeș Cathedral | ||||
| Spouse | Michael I of Romania (1948-2016) | ||||
| Issue | Crown Princess Margareta Princess Elena Princess Irina Princess Sophie Princess Maria |
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| House | Bourbon-Parma | ||||
| Father | Prince René of Bourbon-Parma | ||||
| Mother | Princess Margaret of Denmark | ||||
Princess Anne of Bourbon-Parma, also known as Queen Anne of Romania (born 18 September 1923 – died 1 August 2016), was the wife of Michael I of Romania, who used to be the King of Romania. She was an important royal figure and lived a long life, helping her husband and family.
Contents
Early Life and Adventures
Anne was born in Paris, France. Her parents were Prince René of Bourbon-Parma and Princess Margaret of Denmark. She had three brothers: Jacques, Michel, and André.
In 1939, when Anne was 16, her family had to leave France. They were escaping from the Nazi Germans during World War II. They traveled through Spain and Portugal before finally reaching the United States.
Life in New York
In New York City, Anne studied at the Parsons School of Design. She also worked as a sales assistant at Macy's, a big department store.
Wartime Service
In 1943, Anne joined the French Army. She became an ambulance driver, helping injured soldiers. She served in many countries, including Algeria, Morocco, Italy, Luxembourg, and Germany. For her bravery and service during the war, she received the French Croix de guerre medal.
Meeting a King
How Anne Met Michael
In November 1947, Anne met Michael I of Romania in London. He was visiting for the wedding of Princess Elizabeth (who later became Queen Elizabeth II) and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Anne and Michael met several times and quickly fell in love. Michael asked her to marry him.
A Difficult Engagement
Michael returned to Romania. There, the prime minister told him it was not a good time to announce a wedding. A few days later, the government said Michael had "given up" his throne. But actually, the Communists had forced him out on December 30, 1947.
The Royal Wedding
Challenges to Marry
Anne was a Catholic. The Catholic Church had rules that required special permission for her to marry Michael, who was not Catholic. This permission was usually given if the children would be raised Catholic.
However, Michael refused this condition. It was against the laws of Romania, and it would make it impossible for him to become king again. The Holy See (the Pope's government) did not give permission for the wedding. Anne and Michael's families even met with Pope Pius XII, but he also refused.
A Wedding Without Papal Approval
Anne and Michael decided to marry anyway, even without the Pope's permission. Anne's uncle, Xavier, Duke of Parma, disagreed with their decision. He even told Anne's parents not to go to the wedding. Anne's maternal uncle, Prince Eric of Denmark, represented her family at the ceremony.
The wedding took place on June 10, 1948, in Athens, Greece. It was held in the throne room of the Royal Palace. Many royal guests attended, including Michael's mother, Queen Helen.
Years later, on November 9, 1966, Anne and Michael had a second religious ceremony. This one was at a Catholic church in Monaco. This made their marriage "legal" in the eyes of the Catholic Church.
Life After the Throne
Starting a New Life
After their wedding in 1948, Anne and Michael lived in Hertfordshire, England, for four years. They worked as market gardeners and raised poultry (chickens and other birds). In 1956, they moved to Versoix, Switzerland, near Lake Geneva. There, they raised their five daughters.
Returning to Romania
In 1992, Anne and Michael visited Romania for the first time since Michael was forced to leave. It was Anne's first visit ever to the country. For several years, the Romanian government would not let Michael enter Romania. But Anne visited many times, representing her husband.
After 1997, there were no longer any restrictions on their visits. The Elisabeta Palace was made available for them to use. They also got back some of their family properties, like Săvârşin Castle and Peleş Castle.
60th Wedding Anniversary
In June 2008, Anne and Michael celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary in Romania. There were three days of special events. These included a concert by the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra and a reception in Bucharest.
Death and Legacy
Queen Anne passed away on August 1, 2016, in a hospital in Morges, Switzerland. She was 92 years old.
Romania's President Klaus Iohannis spoke highly of her. He said Queen Anne would always be remembered as a symbol of wisdom and dignity. The government declared August 13, 2016, a national day of mourning. The Romanian flag was flown at half-mast on all buildings. Television and radio programs were asked to honor her memory.
Her funeral was held at the Curtea de Argeș Cathedral. The government of Moldova also observed a national day of mourning for Queen Anne.
Honours
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Queen Anne received many honors during her life.
Honours from Romania
House of Romania: Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Carol I- House of Romania: Royal Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown
Honours from Other Countries
Austrian Imperial and Royal Family: Dame of the Imperial and Royal Order of the Starry Cross, 1st Class- France
Orléans-French Royal Family: Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Lazarus
France: Recipient of the Croix de Guerre Medal 1939–1945
Greek Royal Family: Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Saints Olga and Sophia
Italy
Sovereign Military Order of Malta: Dame Grand Cross of Obedience of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, 2nd Class
Images for kids
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Princess Anne of Bourbon-Parma. Portrait by Ned Murray, 1943.
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Michael and Anne on their wedding day in 1948.
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See also
In Spanish: Ana de Borbón-Parma para niños
